SEM; Sequential Excavation Method) Construction Manager

The SEM Construction Manager will lead and coordinate the delivery of tunnel excavation and initial support works using the Sequential Excavation Method
, ensuring safety, quality, productivity, and compliance with design requirements. The role requires strong leadership, technical expertise in soft-ground/rock tunnelling, and the ability to manage complex interfaces, subcontractors, and monitoring/verification activities.

• SEM Excavation & Support
• Plan, manage, and supervise all daily SEM tunnelling activities including top heading, bench, invert, and drift excavations.
• Ensure correct implementation of designed excavation sequences, support classes, and face-stabilization methods.
• Oversee installation of initial support systems (shotcrete, lattice girders, bolts, spiles, canopy tubes, waterproofing transitions, etc.).
• Control advance rates and ensure compliance with ground-support design criteria.
• Monitoring & Observational Management
• Implement the project’s geotechnical and structural monitoring regime.
• Review convergence data, instrumentation results, and face mapping to adjust excavation/support as required.
• Engage with geotechnical engineers to optimize excavation sequences and manage ground behaviour.
• Safety Leadership
• Ensure full compliance with H&S legislation, project safety plans, and underground working regulations.
• Lead daily tunnel briefings, risk assessments, and dynamic hazard identification.
• Enforce safe working methods for drilling, shotcreting, mucking out, ventilation, and confined-space operations.
• Quality Assurance
• Verify that excavation, ground treatment, support installation, and records meet design drawings, specifications, and QA procedures.
• Oversee face logs, monitoring logs, ITPs, and as-built documentation.
• Coordinate with designers, inspectors, and the Owner’s representative during holds/witness points.
• Resource & Contractor Management
• Manage SEM crews, subcontractors, plant, and specialist equipment.
• Coordinate shift rotations and ensure adequate resources for continuous tunnelling operations.
• Liaise closely with procurement for materials (shotcrete, rebar, lattice arches, consumables).
• Interface & Coordination
• Work closely with the TBM, civils, M&E, waterproofing, and structural fit-out teams to align sequencing and access.
• Coordinate with environmental, surveying, and temporary works teams.
• Attend and lead progress meetings and prepare daily/weekly reports.
• Cost & Schedule Control
• Monitor productivity and equipment utilisation to achieve planned outputs.
• Assist in developing look-ahead schedules and construction forecasts.
• Identify risks, constraints, and opportunities to maintain programme and budget.